Russian River | russian hill | Santa Barbara

“often a local winemaker comes through the door with something special under his arm,” hiro sone says. “perhaps it’s a limited release of only a hundred cases or so, and he’ll say, ‘here’s something you have to try.’” all these wines are limited-release items that are definitely worth a search.

chateau felice estate zinfandel chalk hill 2001 ($18)
a ripe zin with raspberry fruit and a long, racy finish.

moon mountain sauvignon blanc vadasz vineyard sonoma valley 2002 ($20)
tangy acidity supports bright, lively peach and citrus fruit.

novelty hill chardonnay conner lee vineyard columbia valley 2001 ($22)
a foundation of juicy fruit with a superstructure of creamy honey and vanilla; lovely.

benjamin silver viognier vogelzang vineyard santa barbara 2001 ($22)
dark and concentrated with honey, minerals, and an excellent acid structure.

russian hill estate syrah ellen’s block russian river valley 2001 ($30)
dark, dense, concentrated blackberry fruit layered with sweet oak.

gary farrell merlot calypso vineyard russian river valley 2000 ($40)
fresh and pure with lean acidity and pure raspberry fruit.

campion pinot noir firepeak vineyard edna valley 2001 ($45)
lush and floral with striking cherry fruit; elegant and delicate.

tantara pinot noir pisoni vineyard santa lucia highlands 2001 ($56)
gobs of sweet black cherry, blueberry, brown sugar, and tangy acidity; gorgeous pinot.

lokoya cabernet sauvignon mt. veeder 2000 ($135)
a long, powerful, and complex cab with intense black fruit and spice.